Murphysboro, IL
A 42-year-old female asked:
Is it ok to use bug spray with deet on young children, and if so should the amount used differ from adult to child?
2 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Mandakini Patelanswered
Pediatrics 43 years experience
DEET bug spray&kids: I usually do not recommend deet spray directly on kid's skin. It cna be sparyed on tho htier clothes instead. For exposed skin use some other insect repellants like citronella. Deet is known to be neurotoxic and can cause seizures in some rare cases. Better to be safe even if it is a rare incident!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.9k viewsReviewed Jun 15, 2021
Dr. Marybeth Lambeanswered
Travel Medicine 47 years experience
Deet 10-30%: Both the cdc and american academy of pediatrics support the safe use of deet 30% and below for children over 2 months of age. Parents should not let children apply it themselves and it should only be applied to exposed skin and not hands that may go into little ones mouths. Repeated studies have shown safety. Avoid oil of lemon eucalyptus for those under 3 years of age --it is not safe.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Jun 15, 2021
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